It is worth noting that the Predators did not make the playoffs in any of the five completed seasons on that list.

Currently they are four points out of the final Western Conference playoff spot. However, there are four teams between them and eighth place.

“[Rinne] is probably the most important guy on our team,” coach Barry Trotz said. “No disrespect to Shea [Weber] but [Rinne] can steal games, absolutely steal games by himself. That’s what great goaltenders can do.

“Acquiring one of the best goaltenders, if he can get his game back. I mean, that’s a tall order to ask even from Pekka to get his game back in real quick order. If it does come back – and he’s done some great things – that [is] the best acquisition, no question.”